Skip to main content

Sony Reveals Video Streaming TV Set-top Unit

Coming this fall, Sony will release the SMP-N100, a DLNA (Digital Living Network Alliance) client capable of streaming content from your home network, as well as online video services like Netflix, YouTube, Amazon, several Sony exclusives online, and many others. The device will be similar to Sony’s Bravia Internet-enabled Blu-ray players, but will cost only $129 and offer more content.

When it is released, the SMP will be a direct competitor to other streaming set-top boxes like the Roku, the Popbox, and possibly the next AppleTV when it eventually is detailed.

The SMP will stream all of the features that Sony’s Internet-enabled Blu-ray devices offer, including Netflix, YouTube, VoD, Pandora, Amazon, and Slacker. The device will also offer exclusive Sony video content, including everything on the PlayStation Network. There will, however, not be any way to stream Hulu or Boxee — at least for now.

The SMP will feature HDMI connections, a USB port to play media, and a built in 802.11n wireless modem. There is currently an iPad app for the Sony Bravia Internet service, so a comparable app for the SMP is likely on the way.

The SMP is set to ship later this fall for $129, but CEPro, who had a chance to test the unit out are, are suggesting that the price may drop to $99 before Christmas.

Editors' Recommendations

Ryan Fleming
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Ryan Fleming is the Gaming and Cinema Editor for Digital Trends. He joined the DT staff in 2009 after spending time covering…
PC airflow guide: How to position your fans for best cooling
Exhaust fan in PC case.

Fan placement is an important component in your system's cooling. The quantity, positioning, and orientation of fans affects overall system performance, noise levels, and how often you need to clean your whole system out. Although you aren't going to see a dramatic difference in your PC's performance from adding one more fan, or making sure they're pushing instead of pulling (or vice versa), it's still useful to optimize this part of your PC's cooling to get the best experience for you, the PC user.

So, whether you're looking to boost your system's cooling to improve your overclock, or want to keep your fan speeds as low as possible without overheating, here's a guide to PC airflow, as well as some suggestions on fan placement and position that you might find useful.
Get the basics down

Read more
Why you should buy a MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook Air
The 14-inch MacBook Pro on a window sill.

There are plenty of reasons to buy a MacBook Air instead of a MacBook Pro. If you want a MacBook on a budget, you don't necessarily need the goodies that come with upgrading to the MacBook Pro.

That being said, I'm going to argue for spending a little more. In my experience, the MacBook Pro offers several distinct advantages that help justify a higher price, especially with the introduction of the more affordable MacBook Pro 14 with the base M3. If you can stretch your budget a bit, here's why I think you should buy a MacBook Pro instead of a MacBook Air.
Setting the stage: pricing

Read more
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: finally time to upgrade?
The screen of the Surface Pro 9.

Windows 11 is the newest version of Windows, and it's one of the best Windows versions released. At launch, the operating system was very similar to Windows 10, but it has morphed a lot over the past several years. Now, Windows 11 has several key differences compared to Windows 10.

If you've been holding out on upgrading, we have everything you need to know about Windows 11 and how it's different than Windows 10 in this article. We'll detail the differences, as well as show you the areas where Windows 11 is growing faster than Windows 10.
Windows 11 vs. Windows 10: what's new

Read more